MIMA, Wednesday: A vision of global challenges
Photos | Photos of group | Other info | Day’s video | Other info
Interviews – today’s reality: Br. Daren | Erin | Br. Domingo | José Antonio | Salomey | Ir. Marcelo
On 10 April, the Marist International Mission Assembly continued its work of discovering the challenges that reality poses for the future of the Institute, paying particular attention to the trends of the present time. The Arco Norte Region led the morning prayer.
The day was opened by Luis Arancibia Tapia, delegate for the social sector of the Spanish Province of the Society of Jesus. The title of his talk was “Riches and challenges of today’s world for the Marist Mission”. He underlined the importance of sharpening the way we look at reality, because the way in which we observe the world shapes the way in which we will intervene. So, we have to “learn to look at reality” in a way that is conscious, compassionate, contemplative and transformative. Luis then proposed the dynamic of seeing, judging and acting. Linked to the task of “seeing“, he highlighted six trends of our time:
- A world in transformation and constant change
- A global capitalist economy: one that kills
- A culture of late modernity. A throwaway culture.
- Failing governments. Useless politics.
- A secular world? The religious.
- A world of contrasts
He then posed 4 questions for discernment, accompanied by 4 images, to help us judge:
- Will the poor and excluded have a place to live in dignity? (The image of the Good Samaritan: carrying, taking charge and taking care of reality);
- Will we be able to live together? (The image of the Shared Table);
- Will our world be sustainable? (The image of the Garden of Creation: our Common Home);
- Will there be people who will sustain faith and hope? (The image of the Good Shepherd: lives committed to giving life)
In the third moment, which represents “acting“, Luis described some so-called ‘global’ areas: spirituality, community building, human mobility (migrants and refugees), women and gender equality, care for our Common Home….
This reflection was the starting point for the work that followed, first on a personal level, reflecting on what had been said, and then in small groups. The most salient points were shared in the plenary session before lunch.
Discussion on priorities
In the afternoon, the proposal of the Preparatory Commission was to ask participants to draw up a list of needs and challenges perceived by Marists of Champagnat at the Assembly, taking into account the interventions they had heard so far, and in the light of their own experience. Through personal, group and plenary reflection, they have a heightened awareness of the situations that are harming the lives of children and young people. Each of the 11 groups presented 2 answers.
The last working session of the day was coordinated by Fátima Rodrigues Gonçalves, from the Preparatory Commission. She summarised the work done by the Administrative Units during the local phase prior to the Assembly and highlighted the challenges and needs, strategies, emerging realities and dreams identified by the different groups who conducted the pre-Assembly preparation process.
Marian prayer closed the third day of MIMA.
